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U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor leads the U.S. efforts to promote democracy, protect human rights and international religious freedom, and advance labor rights globally.The Bureau uses a wide range of tools, including bilateral diplomacy, multilateral engagement, foreign assistance, and reporting and public outreach.
The Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF), established by Congress in 1998, functions as a “venture capital fund” for democracy and human rights, enabling State to respond quickly and flexibly to changing needs and opportunities to advance democracy and promote human rights. State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, which manages the Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF), established by Congress in 1998, administers programs in a way that allows HRDF to be flexible, adaptable and responsive to complex and changing situations, including many insecure and undemocratic county contexts that are critical to U.S. national security interests. Over 400 ongoing HRDF programs aid transitions to democracy, promote openness in repressive states, and preserve space for civil society as a means to enhance security. Programs address conditions contributing to conflict, instability and terrorism such as poor governance, corruption and human rights abuses. State’s human rights rapid response mechanisms through HRDF reinforces U.S. leadership in global democracy and human rights promotion, leveraging partnerships with governments, the private sector and faith-based organizations.